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Lice Infestation in Guinea Pigs

Treatment

As with other cases of ectoparasitic infestations, lice infestation is treated with topical applications of parasiticides -- medicated dusts and spray that are designed to kill lice. In some cases, the medication may be in the form of a solution that can be administered orally through drinking water. Your veterinarian will advise you accordingly as to which route of administration is best, depending on the severity of the lice infestation.

If your guinea pig is suffering from anemia, or from any infection that might have occurred as a result of excessive itching and bacterial involvement, this will need to be treated as well.

Living and Management

Take steps to clean and disinfect your guinea pig's cage before reintroducing your pet into it. It may be practical to replace all of the old bedding with new bedding, to avoid reinfestation. Follow your veterinarian’s advice regarding the application of medicated dusts and sprays.

Prevention

Lice infestations can be minimized or prevented by making sure that living quarters are clean and sanitary, and by minimizing your guinea pig's stress levels. Routinely cleaning and disinfecting all cages where your guinea pigs are housed can either prevent an infestation in the first place, or make it easier to get control of an infestation should there be one. Taking steps to minimize your guinea pig's stress levels is also vital to preventing problems that can arise from ectoparasitic lice infestation, since stress often compromises an animal's ability to ward off both infections and infestations.